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New Law Permits On-Duty Firefighters to Solicit Donations

A bill signed into law on April 10 grants explicit authority for cities to permit on-duty firefighters to solicit charitable contributions from motorists.
(Published Apr 21, 2010)

On April 10, Gov. Pawlenty signed Chapter 227, a bill that legally authorizes the familiar practice of firefighters soliciting monetary donations from motorists for charities.

The bill, authored by Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights) and Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope), was initiated by the Minnesota Professional Firefighters Association. Representatives of the group testified that firefighters have a long history of raising funds for foundations that promote medical research and assist victims of serious illnesses such as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. The fundraisers are typically called “Fill the Boot” campaigns. Advocates said the legislation is necessary because some employers are not sure whether they have authority to allow the practice.

Under the new law, cities may permit full-time permanent firefighters employed by the city while on duty, or volunteer firefighters serving the municipality while not on duty, to solicit charitable contributions from motorists if all of the following conditions are met:

  • The solicitation is for only one charitable organization annually and that organization is qualified as a 501©(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Code.
  • The solicitation does not occur for more than three days whether or not consecutively.
  • The charitable organization provides to the municipality proof of commercial general liability insurance.

No city is required to authorize the fundraising campaigns; however, those cities that want to permit the event should do so by resolution. The city is entitled to be more restrictive than the law. The League did not take a position on the legislation, but watched its progress to ensure that it remained permissive for cities.

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